The Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, People’s Place and Ulster County Community Action are collaborating to bring Kingstonians two chances a week to pick up free locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as nutritional and cooking tips.
The farmstands will be open every Tuesday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at People’s Place, 17 St. James St., and every Friday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Ulster County Community Action, 70 Lindsley Ave.
At the Tuesday farmstands, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County and Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables will be available to hand out simple, SNAP-based and easy-to-read recipes in Both English and Spanish, as well as to offer samples and demonstrations.
“This program was designed to connect donated fruit and vegetables directly with those in need, and to go straight from the Food Bank’s cooler to people’s refrigerators,” stated Food Bank of the Hudson Valley Food Sourcing Coordinator Carrie Jones Ross. “Food Bank Farm Stands are set-up to offer a fun ‘shopping’ experience with dignity, made up of community and good vibes.”
Much of the produce has been donated by area farmers. Hudson Valley Farm Hub in Hurley and Mercier Farms in Wallkill have both committed to grow and donate ethnic produce for the program, such as frying peppers and tomatillos.
The project is made possible by the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, through a grant from the New World Foundation’s Local Economies Project.
Patrons are asked to bring their own bags.
For more information, call People’s Place at (845) 338-4030, or Ulster County Community Action at (845) 338-8750.
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